Students learn weaving as a possible career option

Over the last few years Kunbi saris have caught the attention of many people – from the fashion industry to fashionistas who are opting to use this fabric as much as possible. Recently at the G20 summit focused on a lot of kunbi saris and material which were given as takeaways. There is a great demand for this fabric, but very little production, and this year has seen many students from higher secondary schools studying fashion design have been learning the skill of weaving the fabric - on the JOB training. We talk to them to find out more.



Learning weaving as a profession
“The kunbi sari has been our identity for the longest time, but it needs to be revived. I always wanted to be a fabric weaver, and this will give me an opportunity. The Kunbi sari or the fabric that has a very unique chequered-pattern is only found in Goa. I was told that the dye used in Kunbi sari was made from roots of various trees which was also used to heal wounds. I want to take the fabric our forefathers wore as a profession.”
Siya Gaonkar, student of Fashion designing and making, Vocational Stream, from Shiroda Higher Secondary school, Shiroda




HIGH SCOPE FOR THIS PROFESSION
We sent 17 of our students to learn the art of weaving, where they were given the theory and practical knowledge of this art . This year the government took the initiative - Goa Board of Secondary and higher secondary education and Goa Handicrafts, who provided the looms for students at the Central Library in Panaji. The students were trained under experienced handloom instructors. This initiative was important as it will help the students get employment, those who dont want to go ahead with higher education can set up the loom and be self-reliant. There is a lot of scope for young minds to take up this as a career option."
Rita Leena D'Silva, Principal of St Theresa's Higher Secondary School Candolim.


High demand, low supply, but students take keen interest
There is a high demand for the Kunbi sari, but the supply is limited due to the unskilled craftsmanship. However, The Kunbi weave is getting a lot of prominence and with this training there are many youngsters who are taking keen interest in the weaving process. In just two months, these students have learnt the process of weaving. In fact 10 students want to pursue this as a career.
Arvind Bugde, director of handicrafts, textile and coir




Schools which sent their kids for handbook training

St.Theresa's H.S.S.Candolim

PANCHAKROSHI higher sec school, Harmal

Government higher secondary school, Pernem

Ameya HSS, Curti, Ponda

Shiroda Higher Secondary school, Shiroda